Access Connections not detecting my wireless?

[Doughj3]

I'm trying to use the Access Connection tool to connect to a wireless LAN that doesn't broadcast itself. I'm having two problems:

1) In the tools menu, "Find Wireless Networks" is grayed out and unclickable. 

2) When I try and add a new profile manually and get to the step where I input the SSID and hit "Find Network", it says that my wireless device is off, asks me if I want to turn it on, so I hit yes, and then try again and it does the same thing. 

My wireless switch is on, and the Windows Wireless config lets me connect to networks without problem. Pressing FN+F5 brings up the management window, but only my bluetooth device shows up, not my wireless device (and if I recall correctly, it used to). 

Any help?

[andyP Retired SuperMod]

it would be helpful if you could post which ThinkPad and Operating System you have, even better post the Type and Model Number this will help members to help you. If it ends in CTO please provide some details about the ThinkPad. Please do NOT post your s/n.

You might also wish to post which WLAN driver you have installed and which version of AC.

Thanks

Moved here for better exposure

[Doughj3]

I have a T61P with Windows XP Pro. The type if 6457, I don't know where the model number is.

It is part of my college's laptop program, RPI. 

I am using the Intel Wireless WifiLink 4965AGN wireless adapter.

Anymore info just let me know. 

[Doughj3]

Any word? It's sad to see there's no real route for support with lenovo.

[Tomislav]

I had the same problem with same Wireless card but on a X61.

There was no help on forums or support. It started by installing Service pack 3 (Windows XP Pro). 

I think that some problem was in drivers(or order of installation, or because I installed Intel Info drivers from Intel support website-those drivers were newer then Lenovo website) because I had them manually downloaded from support pages on lenovo website. 

I reinstalled  Windows XP Pro SP3, manually installed Intel info drivers(from Lenovo website), X3100 video drivers, Intel Gigabit drivers(so I can connect to the Internet), .NET Framework 2.0 and then ThinkVantage System Update. Rest of drivers I downloaded using System Update and now all works fine

Message Edited by Tomislav on 10-26-2008 02:26 PM

[Laureynsr]

Hi, 

I've seen this problem in my environment many times, it usually is caused by a driver update to the Intel wifi. Access Connections is dependent on three other drivers/utilities to work. Power Management Driver, Hotkey Utility and the Intel wifi drivers.  If the Microsoft Zero Configuration works then there is nothing wrong with the wifi, it is the link from Access connections to the wifi that is broken. If simply reinstalling Access Connections does not resolve the issue, unfortunately all the dependent drivers need to be removed and reinstalled to correct it. The process is simple but a little time consuming: 

1. Uninstall the following without rebooting:
   1. Thinkpad Power Management Driver
   2. Thinkpad Hotkey (Thinkpad Full Screen Magnifier and On Screen Display)
   3. Intel Proset wireless drivers
   4. Access Connections
2. Reboot
3. Install the following without rebooting:
   1. Thinkpad Power Management Driver
   2. Thinkpad Hotkey
   3. Intel wifi (Note: Please be sure to ONLY use the Lenovo version of the wifi and install it from the iProInst.exe)
4. Reboot
5. Test wifi with Microsoft Zero Config.
6. Install Access Connections and reboot then it should work.

 Thanks 

Ray Laureyns

Desktop Analyst

FMC Corporation